Cultural attractions in Germany

Hamburg is one of Europe's most international cities, but it is rarely considered as a holiday location. Since Germany's reunification in 1990, it's lost out to Berlin and Munich as a major city break destination; but Hamburg has much to offer tourists. From its excellent music scene to the great selection of German and globally-influenced food on offer, breaks in Hamburg offer a range of unforgettable experiences. If you're planning a visit to Hamburg, here are a few sights you can't miss.

For travellers that want to experience Hamburg's cultural side, there's no better time to visit than spring when the Long Night of the Museums (Die lange Nacht der Museen) takes place. On one night in April or May, over 50 museums and galleries in the city stay open to the public until 2am. Entry is not free, but charges are usually low, allowing visitors and residents of all ages to soak up the exciting cultural atmosphere with which the city buzzes on this night. Major museums that stay open include the Deichtorhallen, the Kunsthalle and Hamburg Museum. Ships moored at Hamburg's historic port may also stay open to the public until late.

Elsewhere, Hamburg's main classical music venue, the Laeiszhalle, attracts classical music fans from across Germany, and the Staatsoper is a leading opera venue in the country. Moreover, the city's huge array of theatres showcase a range of plays, from popular productions to avant-garde offerings. Important theatrical venues include the Deutsches Schauspielhaus and the Ernst-Deutsch-Theater, though visitors who do not speak German can enjoy excellent productions performed by the English Theatre of Hamburg and the English-speaking Hamburg Players as well.

Hamburg's buzzing multi-cultural ambience also means that it plays host to a diversity of festivals and events throughout the year. People planning a city break in Hamburg in May should plan their visit to coincide with the Hafengeburtstag, or the Habour Birthday. Hamburg's harbour has played an important role in its economic and cultural history, and it's a feature of the city that its residents are rightly proud of. Each year the Harbour Birthday attracts thousands of visitors and it is sometimes referred to as the biggest harbour party in the world.

The Hamburger Dom is another major attraction in the city. It is the biggest public festival in the north of Germany and it takes place three times a year. A large fairground is the centre of the attraction and it's particularly popular with families and young children. Hotels in Hamburg may be quickly booked up when the Hamburger Dom is on - in spring, summer and winter each year - since it is popular with visitors from outside the city. So if you're planning to time your city break in Hamburg when the Dom is in town, it's advisable to book accommodation well in advance.